Pura vida. In Spanish, the phrase translates literally to “pure life”. In Costa Rica, it’s a way of life that immediately takes a hold on your heart.
A couple of weeks before moving in my freshman year, I went on a trip to Costa Rica with the Spanish program from my high school. I had studied Spanish for about six years, but what I learned in the classroom could never compare to the experiences I had when I was fully immersed in such a vibrant culture. From the amazing mountain tops to the clear waters of ocean, Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve been fortunate enough to visit.
For the first week, all of the students were separated and stayed with a local host family. Staying with them gave me some of the most genuine experiences of immersion into Costa Rican culture that I could’ve hoped for. I learned everything from Costa Rican slang to how to cook gallo pinto (a traditional breakfast dish) to the religious traditions of taking a pilgrimage to the famous Basílica de Los Ángeles. I was able to visit a Costa Rican elementary school and play soccer with first graders. I learned about the incredible conservation efforts that the country has established to be more environmentally conscious. I met amazingly warm and kind-hearted people who treated me as if they had known me their whole life, as if I was family. All the while, I could feel my Spanish speaking skills growing, becoming more natural with every word I spoke.
I was mesmerized by the many facets of Costa Rican culture, big and small, new and old. Learning about such a complex, stunning, colorful way of life made me want to delve deeper, and is one of the big reasons why I decided to pursue a minor in Spanish. Each Spanish-speaking country has its own unique traditions and beliefs, and through my studies I hope to travel more, experience new adventures, and meet new people who help me grow into a well-rounded, educated citizen.
Pura vida. It’s a mantra that has stuck with me since my visit, and it will stay with me for life.